WineAmerica renews support for congressional wine caucus as industry reports $323 billion economic impact

WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, announced its sponsorship of the 2025 Come Over October Congressional Wine Caucus press conference and reception, scheduled for October 8 in Washington, D.C. This marks the second year in a row that WineAmerica has supported this invitation-only event, which aims to strengthen bipartisan support for the American wine industry.

The upcoming reception will feature wines from across the United States, highlighting the diversity and quality of American wine production. With 10,637 wine producers now operating in every state, the event underscores the national reach of the industry.

WineAmerica’s sponsorship coincides with new findings from its 2025 Economic Impact Study. According to the study, the American wine industry generates nearly $323.55 billion in total economic activity and supports 1.75 million jobs nationwide. The average annual wage in the sector is $58,400, with total wages from direct, indirect, and induced economic activity reaching $102.14 billion.

Tourism is another major contributor to the industry’s impact. U.S. wine regions are expected to attract 74 million tourist visits this year, resulting in $14.13 billion in tourism expenditures that benefit local economies and tax bases. The industry also generates more than $53.24 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, including $46.04 billion in business taxes and $7.20 billion in consumption taxes. Additionally, American wineries maintain 763,080 acres of vineyards, helping preserve agricultural land and promote sustainable farming practices.

WineAmerica has been a strong supporter of the Come Over October campaign since it began in 2024. The campaign focuses on building connections within the wine community and promoting wine’s social and cultural role in American life. Jim Trezise, President of WineAmerica, said that Come Over October exemplifies collaboration within the wine community during challenging times for the industry. He credited Karen MacNeil, Kimberly Noelle Charles, and Gino Colangelo for their leadership in launching the campaign.

The inaugural Come Over October initiative in 2024 reached an estimated 1.7 billion unique visitor impressions and engaged over 10 million people through various channels nationwide.

Industry leaders involved with Come Over October have emphasized values such as generosity, connection, and respect for nature as central to American wine culture. Karen MacNeil, author of “The Wine Bible” and co-founder of Come Over October, described wine as a beverage that brings people together and fosters new friendships. Kimberly Noelle Charles highlighted WineAmerica’s early support for the campaign as essential to its success. Gino Colangelo noted that both organizations share a mission to promote wine culture in the U.S., support American wineries, and encourage moderate consumption.

The 2025 campaign has received support from several sponsors at different levels. In addition to WineAmerica’s Benefactor-level sponsorship of the Congressional reception, foundational sponsors include Freixenet Mionetto, J.Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jackson Family Wines, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Other benefactors are CMB Family of Wines, Constellation Brands, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, The Wine Group, Total Wine & More, and wine.com. Additional financial sponsors include Boisset Collection, Crimson Wine Group, Far Niente Wine Estates, Napa Valley Vintners, Peju Napa Valley, Ponzi Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and Wilson Daniels. Media sponsors supporting outreach efforts include The Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Tasting Panel Magazine, Somm Journal, Wine Business Monthly, VinePair, The Vintner Project, and Wine Industry Network.

WineAmerica was founded in 1978 and represents wineries from all 50 states on legislative and regulatory issues at the federal level. Its mission is to advance the business environment for American wineries through advocacy and education while promoting the economic and cultural contributions of wine to society.

Come Together – A Community for Wine is an organization dedicated to connecting wine enthusiasts through campaigns and initiatives that celebrate wine’s role in creating meaningful human connections. Founded by Karen MacNeil along with Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, it brings together industry professionals and consumers to share stories about wine’s historic and contemporary significance.

For more information about supporting or advocating for Come Over October or details about attending the Congressional reception on October 8 in Washington D.C., interested parties can visit cometogetherforwine.com or contact [email protected].